Catholic site first to publish sacred texts

A Catholic website based in Tasmania has become the first in the world to secure rights to publish sacred texts online, despite opposition from US bishops.

The site has gained the blessing of the Vatican, signifying once more the Pope's vision of utilising the internet to spread the gospel.

US bishops had originally opposed the publishing of sacred texts, but werewon over by heavy lobbying by an Australian minister, Father Michael Tate, a former senator and federal minister.

"The whole idea excited some of the key figures, which enabled us to foresee the possibilities," Father Tate told The Australian newspaper.

"Now the Vatican has given us permission to publish the Latin texts of the mass, which is the core edition from which all translations are made."

Until now, these fixed sacred texts have been available only in print in many separate editions. But Father Tate said that the website would provide a central pool of resources for worshippers.